How to prepare for a video visit about Dehydration (Mild) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Mild dehydration in children happens when they lose more fluids than they take in, often due to vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking enough water. It can make a child feel tired, thirsty, and have a dry mouth or fewer wet diapers. Preparing for a video visit about mild dehydration can help parents and caregivers share important details and get helpful advice from a healthcare provider. During the visit, the provider may ask about symptoms, fluid intake, and the child's behavior. They can suggest ways to help the child rehydrate safely at home and when to seek in-person care. This guide helps families get ready for the visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know the warning signs that need urgent attention. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but does not replace in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child is very sleepy, difficult to wake, or unusually irritable — seek emergency care immediately.
• No urination for 8 hours or more — contact healthcare provider or emergency services.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours despite fluid intake — seek medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild dehydration symptoms through history and observation.
• Providing guidance on fluid intake and home care measures.
• Determining when in-person evaluation is needed and advising accordingly.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Administering intravenous fluids or emergency treatments.
• Diagnosing severe dehydration or other serious conditions that need urgent care.

What is Mild Dehydration in Children?

Mild dehydration means your child has lost some body fluids but is not severely ill. It often happens when children have diarrhea, vomiting, or do not drink enough fluids. Signs include thirst, dry mouth, less frequent urination, and tiredness. Mild dehydration can usually be managed at home with extra fluids.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as how long they have been sick, how much fluid they are drinking, and any changes in urination or behavior. Have a list of any medicines your child is taking. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and may ask you to show your child on camera. They will give advice on how to help your child drink fluids safely and watch for signs of worsening dehydration. They may recommend when to seek in-person care if needed.

How to Help Your Child at Home

Offer small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions if available. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. Encourage rest and monitor your child's urine output and activity level. Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child shows signs like very little or no urination, extreme sleepiness or irritability, dry mouth with no tears when crying, sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot on the head), or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start and duration of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake.
• Measure or estimate how much fluid your child is drinking and urinating.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and has a good internet connection.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.
• Have a caregiver or family member available to help if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on fluid intake and monitoring your child.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags and seek care if they appear.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if recommended or if symptoms persist.
• Keep a record of your child's fluid intake and output to share if needed later.

FAQs

Can I give my child water if they have diarrhea?

Yes, giving your child small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions is important to help replace lost fluids. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration.

How do I know if my child is dehydrated?

Look for signs like thirst, dry mouth, fewer wet diapers or urination, tiredness, and irritability. Mild dehydration can often be managed at home, but severe signs require urgent care.

When should I call the doctor or seek emergency care?

Call your healthcare provider if your child has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, is not drinking fluids, or shows signs like extreme sleepiness, no urination for 8 hours, dry mouth with no tears, or sunken eyes. Seek emergency care immediately if severe symptoms appear.

Can a video visit replace an in-person exam for dehydration?

A video visit can help assess mild dehydration and provide advice but cannot replace a physical exam or treatments needed for severe dehydration. In-person care may be necessary based on the child's condition.

Sources

1. Dehydration in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dehydration: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Managing Dehydration in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Oral Rehydration Therapy — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows signs of severe dehydration or other urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.